Marketplace Tech Mushrooms could help curb plastic waste
Dec 24, 2025
Anna Holligan, a BBC journalist specializing in science and environment, and Alexandra Ravello, a researcher focused on mycelium-based materials, dive deep into sustainable alternatives to polystyrene. They explore how mycelium, the root system of fungi, can create eco-friendly insulation. Anna shares insights from field reports on collecting fungi, while Alexandra explains the lab techniques to grow mycelium boards. Together, they reveal mycelium's exceptional properties, such as fire resistance and biodegradability, positioning it as a viable contender to combat plastic waste.
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Mycelium As A Plastic Alternative
- Researchers are developing mycelium-based materials as an organic alternative to polystyrene packaging and insulation.
- The approach repurposes wood fiber and cardboard, letting fungal mycelium bind the mixture into solid boards without chemicals.
Mushroom Expedition Near The Lab
- Anna Holligan describes a mushroom-picking trip near a university lab developing insulation from dead trees and fungus.
- Professor Philippe Amtislavsky demonstrated a common Arctic fungus and noted its knock sounds like styrofoam.
How To Make Mycelium Boards
- Mix wood fiber like pulp and cardboard, foam it, then inoculate with mushroom mycelium and incubate to grow solid boards.
- Do not add chemical binders because the mycelium itself binds the material into usable insulation.